ILLINOIS WESLEYAN UNIVERSITY

DEPARTMENT OF BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION

May 2009

COURSE: BUS 360 – Social Principles Good for Today’s Business Professional: John Wesley, the Man, The Message, the Mission

INSTRUCTORS: Rev. Mary Kathryn Pearce Gerald Olson

OFFICE: CLA 353

OFFICE PHONE: 309 243 7300 556-3170

EMAIL:

WEB PAGE: http://titan.iwu.edu/~golson

OFFICE HOURS:

TEXTBOOKS: See Attached Sheet

COURSE DESCRIPTION:

Business in the 21st century operates within complex sets of social relationships. Political revolutions, global economic forces, technological advances in communications, and complex financial transactions have produced networks of social relations that span the globe. In every nation, individuals are impacted both directly and indirectly by the convergence of commerce and society. This relationship between business and society is evolving in new and sometimes troubling ways, including: employment abuses related to globalization, ecological and environmental problems, corrupt ethical and moral behavior of management, and others.

John Wesley, IWU’s namesake and founder of the Methodist Church, was a man who valued social justice and was incredibly involved in the social issues of his day. His basic philosophy was:” Gain all you can, save all you can, and give all you can.” He etched in the heartsand minds of hisfollowers the need to provide for the poor and disadvantaged.Some of his more significant contributions included: providing medical aid, raising money to provide food and clothing, introducing interest-free loans, and helping find jobs. In a time and place in which many viewed poverty and sickness as an indicator of the worth of the individual, Wesley preached love for all mankind and demanded unrestricted love for one’s neighbor.

This course will evaluate the social principles championed by John Wesley in the 18th century as a model for today’s business managers in an increasingly complex world. It is also a model for our personal lives

Students will participate in two weeks of on campus activities, including work at various social service agencies, and will travel to London during the last week of May term to visit sites associated with John Wesley

COURSE OBJECTIVES:

#  To examine the life and work of John Wesley to learn more about his contributions to society and the application of his principles.

#  To provide students with a working knowledge of not for profit organizations.

#  To develop an ability to identify and analyze situations where there is a necessity for businesses to embrace their social responsibility.

#  To gain improved precision in both written and oral expression of analyses, judgment, and opinion in matters relating to the social responsibility of business.

#  To develop an ability to work effectively with other people in developing a not for profit project.

#  To gain an appreciation for giving back to society when one is able to do so.

CONDUCT OF THE COURSE:

Classes will be conducted using a discussion-lecture format that includes emphasis on “A team-learning.” Your participation in class discussion is essential to the success of the course and to the learning process. You are expected to respond in class as questions are directed to you. Therefore, you must complete all reading

assignments and homework assignments for the day. Further, as part of class discussion you should always feel free to question that which you do not understand.

EVALUATION OF STUDENTS

Group Project

The group project is most significant part of the course. Students will design and develop their own not for profit organization. This will require the development of a mission statement, arrangement for financing, compliance with regulatory agencies, implementation strategies, selection of board members, recordkeeping systems, accounting systems, and budgets. Students will make an oral presentation of their work to the class and invited guests. As part of the presentation, students will explain how their nonprofit demonstrates the philosophy of John Wesley. More information will be provided in class.

Paper

Each student will submit a paper that requires them to address the readings, topics discussed in class, and experiences they gained in providing community service. The theme of the paper will focus on Wesley’s philosophy for living. More information will be provided in class

Book Report

Students will write a brief (2-3 pages) book report on one of the four books assigned in the course.

Community Service Project

Students are expected to complete at least one community service project during the two weeks on campus and one while in England (To be arranged by professors.)

Journal

While in England students will be expected to keep a journal that discusses their experiences from the perspective of Wesley’s life.

GRADING SCALE:

Your grade in this course will be determined through an accumulation of points earned. The following tentative plan will be used:

The grading scale for the semester will be:

A = 94%100% C+ = 77%-79%

A- = 90%93% C = 73%-76%

B+ = 87%89% C- = 70%-72%

B = 83%86% D = 60%-69%

B- = 80%-82%

(This plan is tentative and subject to change.)

ACADEMIC DISHONESTY:

Academic dishonesty of any type will not be tolerated. Students found to be guilty of cheating on a quiz or an exam or removing an exam from the classroom will be given a grade of ZERO for the exam or quiz. Students who are found to be guilty of plagiarism will receive a grade of ZERO for the paper or project. It is essential that you complete your course work with the highest degree of integrity.

ATTENDANCE:

You can adequately learn the significant concepts in this course only if you attend class. Students should realize that classroom presentations often add to the material in the text and that the student will be responsible for all such material. Non attendance is therefore at the student's own risk.

INSTRUCTOR'S NOTE:

Students in this course should exhibit the same degree of professionalism, as would members of the accounting profession. Professionalism can be demonstrated by being prompt, attending all classes, and participating in class discussion, being prepared, and through written performance on exams and assignments.